Positive Economic Data from US and China Boosts Stocks (SBUX, YELP)

Several positive economic reports boosted US stocks on Thursday. Private employers were reported to have added jobs in October at the fastest rate in eight months, a good sign for the US labor market. Consumer confidence was up close to its highest level in almost five years and a 9,000 drop in new jobless claims for the past week was also encouraging. Investors were feeling positive about China as well after factory activity showed gains for the first time since July. Many companies announced earnings reports after the close of US markets, including LinkedIn (LNKD), who beat estimates and saw shares jump and after seeing strong sales Starbucks (SBUX) raised their full-year outlook. The S&P 500 had its best day in seven weeks. Disappointingly, Chesapeake Energy (CHK) announced a $2.06 billion Q3 loss and Pfizer (PFE) posted revenue lower than expectated. In response to the positive data, oil prices in the US rose and overall crude inventories dropped.